take heart

Lena

even when no one was looking
I was still kind

She opened her mouth to give some semblance of protest, but the moment Maybe this is what Vi meant was cast, she shut it just as swiftly. Never one to defy the gods, their power, their might, their credences and beliefs, the Caretaker had always been an individual taught to respect the creators of their world. But still – why was such pain necessary, when Zavien had already sacrificed so much? What was he to learn that he hadn’t already grasped? Was it a vague cruelty, or something more to be dissolved and understood? Lena didn’t have the answers to any of the questions, but they’d likely keep her up at night for many evenings to come. “Okay,” she murmured, striving to show her support, even if her features couldn’t quite hide the sorrow and confusion.

Bending down to address both creatures, she unfurled all her layered, Attuned talents into their minds. You must be very careful. And come right back. Pondering over the matter, she reached into her bag and snagged at a tiny satchel, usually there to hold seeds, and placed some treats within, before tying it on Sol’s neck. It was lightweight, and shouldn’t burden him on any flight – plus, easy to tear open and snag at the food when he grew hungry.

Stepping back, she wrapped one arm around Zavien’s shoulders, and leaned into him. “You’re both very brave,” for being willing to let go, and for being trusting enough to see it through, that there were better things on the other side.

with all of my heart
even when it is invisible